How to Be Outside, Inside: Hidden Gems in Astoria, NYC

NYC is loud, fast and overstimulating — but that’s not everyone’s vibe. How to Be Outside, Inside is shifting gears: we’re asking real New Yorkers where they go to feel grounded, inspired, and unbothered.

Okayplayer: Where do you go when you want to be outside, without being “out?”

For the evening, I would do a relaxed evening at the craft cocktail spot, Mosaic — their mixologists are elite; they serve one of the best Old Fashioneds you’ll taste in the five boroughs of NYC. Also, the crowd never gets too intense; it’s friendly locals who mind their own business — exactly how I like it.

Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not with people?

I have a simple answer for this: Astoria Park — it’s vast, peaceful, scenic and well-maintained. It offers panoramic views of the East River, a skate park, soccer field, running track and a swimming pool — what else can you ask for?

What does your perfect NYC day look like?